Hmmm fair enough schmoe.
Yes maybe the review seemed a bit super pimped out, I was really just super stoked with the kites. They were such an improvement from last years that I just had to post a review and let everyone get a feel for them.
Ok, they are definetly not the best kites out there in every aspect but I really think they do more than you'd expect. The only place I think the kite could see some very needed improvement is in unhooking, but that is being worked on with the wake bridles development plus another line of kites that is in development. I think its impossible to make a single kite for every riding style, this is clear. But when you find a kite that is literally at half the price of other kites in the industry, with full warranty, great service, strong construction and proven performance, yes, I would say the Griffin is definitely the best kite in the market right now for the rider that wants to save some hundred bucks.
I currently ride FUELS 09 and REV 2, the Griffin will not compare to the fuel. The turning is very similar to the REV in terms of smoothness and power delivery, very constant throughout the whole turn and with power. The 9m Griffin is maybe bit faster through the window than a 9m 08 REV. The REV unhooks better. The griffin is more of a hook-in-and-ride whereas the REV gets power when sining it. I think the 9m Griffin is a tad bigger than a 9m REV so maybe thats the reason.
Faster turning than a 09 Waroo.
Cant compare with any new Eclipse kites still, but soon! Hoping to give the new Thruster a try, looks pretty sick.
The griffin has more range and lowend power than any other kite I have tried, maybe similar to that of a North Rhino 08. I believe this is due to the open canopy shape of the griffin, it makes the projected area closer to the tips, they are angled out and not parallel to each other.
If your looking for a wave or fast freeriding kite that jumps good and offers a range of nice features including Single Point Inflation and tuning options the Griffin is the kite for you.
Dont take my word for it though, search around for review or try to find and demo and check it out for yourself.
PRICES:
Average 9m kite: $1749.00
09 9m Griffin complete: $849.00
"The next reports on the kite came from Namibia at the Luderitz Speed sailing challenge. Griffin rider Sylvain Hoceini took the new 2009 kites to this prestigious event , which attempted to break the 50knots Barrier in sailing for the first time ever. Sylvain set a new personal best here (smashing his previous PB) , and also managed to finish 4th overall against the worlds top speed sailors. He maxed out at 53.8knots and is now the fourth fastest man on the water and one of very few to pass 50knots. Not bad at all for the griffins first outing."
-http://www.kitesurfwarehouse.com/home.html
Schmoe I sent you a PM, if your interested in a demo please let me know. Ill be glad to locate one so you can test it.
Regards,
Francisco
www.soloviento.com
schmoe wrote:Prwinds if you keep saying the "best of all kites" in about every category, it would be helpful to compare to some other kites so we get a point of reference. More stable than rise? Goes bigger than Thruster? More durable than a Slingshot? That would really be impressive!